Fifteen entrepreneurs have been awarded grants totaling ₦8.25 million following a business pitch competition at the conclusion of the 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Programme organized by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) in partnership with the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA)
The programme, which commenced with registration in February 2026, offered participants free online entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and opportunities to access grants.
Interested entrepreneurs completed mandatory courses on the BizAid Learning Platform and achieved at least 80 percent scores before qualifying for a three-day physical workshop held at the IDK Learning Centre, Awka.
Speaking after the pitching session, the Acting Managing Director of ASBA, Barrister Nonso Samson Emeka, said the training equipped participants with practical entrepreneurial skills and aligns with the administration of Chukwuma Soludo in tackling unemployment through enterprise development.
According to him, the state government remains committed to encouraging young people to embrace productive ventures, while ASBA continues to collaborate with development partners to provide access to funding and business support. He urged the grant beneficiaries to remain focused on their goals and use the opportunity to create value and empower others.
Representing DBN, Precious Ayegbayo commended the quality of entrepreneurs in Anambra, noting that the winners distinguished themselves through strong value propositions and businesses with positive social and environmental impact.
She encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the grants effectively and announced that another phase of the programme is scheduled for October 2026.
The overall winner, Chinwe Nlemoha, founder of Learna Educational Hub in Imo State, received ₦3 million. She said the funding would support the development of an educational platform to improve learning opportunities for children and expand the distribution of educational materials to underserved communities.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
5 entrepreneurs received ₦150,000 each.
5 entrepreneurs received ₦200,000 each.
2 entrepreneurs received ₦500,000 each.
Third-place winner received ₦1 million.
Second-place winner received ₦1.5 million.
Overall winner received ₦3 million.
The total grants awarded amounted to ₦8.25 million, aimed at supporting business growth, innovation, and job creation among emerging entrepreneurs.
